Italian Renaissance Theatre

Paper Summary:

This paper is in two parts. The first part discusses the Commedia Del Arte or drama that employs comedy and has a happy ending, which began during the Italian Renaissance. It examines its origins and its popularity as well as its methods of acting. It evaluates its effect on modern comedy such as the concept of slapstick, timing in the repartee and romantic comedy. The second part outlines the other contributions of Italian Renaissance theatre to Western theater such as the introduction of the profession of acting and theatre and set design.

From the Paper:

"Commedia Del Arte made many contributions to modern comedy. First, timing was important in the repartee and has been in comedy ever since. Second, slapstick comedy, such as that practiced by Chaplin, Keaton, and Lloyd is a direct descendant of Commedia Del Arte. Third, modern romantic comedy had it origins in the plots and characters of Commedia Del Arte. Finally, both situation comedy and animated cartoons employ elements of Commedia Del Arte (Suzuki; Commedia Del Arte)."

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